Banquet Sous Chef

Arbor Day Foundation • Nebraska City, NE

9d • Onsite

About The Position

The Banquet Sous Chef leads food preparation and culinary execution for weddings, conferences, plated meals, buffets, festivals, and other special events at Arbor Day Farm and Lied Lodge in Nebraska City, Nebraska. The position reports to the Executive Chef and collaborates with Food and Beverage, Banquet Operations, Conference Services, Event Sales, Stewarding, and other property departments.

This is a full-time role on the Arbor Day Farm campus. The schedule varies with event needs and includes early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays. The chef translates banquet event orders into production plans, prep lists, timelines, and assignments; directs and supports the culinary team; and maintains consistent food quality, presentation, safety, sanitation, and organization. The role also supports ordering, inventory, receiving, food-cost control, labor management, waste reduction, other culinary outlets, and property-wide events as needed.

Success means meals are prepared safely, on time, and to event expectations; team members are prepared and supported; kitchen operations remain organized and efficient; and guests and event partners receive thoughtful service and memorable hospitality. The organization describes its culture as focused on kindness, collaboration, servant leadership, open communication, and developing talent from within.

Requirements

• Passion for hospitality, culinary excellence, and the Arbor Day Foundation’s mission.
• Previous culinary leadership experience.
• Experience executing plated meals, buffets, receptions, and large-scale events.
• Ability to read and interpret banquet event orders, recipes, production sheets, and event timelines.
• Strong culinary knowledge, including preparation methods, kitchen equipment, presentation standards, and food-safety practices.
• Ability to prioritize multiple events and adjust quickly when plans change.
• Team-first leadership style and willingness to work alongside the team.
• Strong communication, coaching, and problem-solving skills.
• Food-safety certification or ability to obtain certification within the required timeframe.
• Availability to work early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event needs.
• Ability to remain active for extended periods and safely lift and move items commonly used in culinary operations.
• Commitment to high standards and consistency.

Nice To Haves

• Culinary leadership experience in banquets, catering, hotels, resorts, or other high-volume operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead food preparation and culinary execution for weddings, conferences, plated meals, buffets, festivals, and other special events.
• Review banquet event orders and turn event details into production plans, prep lists, timelines, and team assignments.
• Work alongside the culinary team and provide daily direction, coaching, training, and support.
• Ensure food is prepared and presented consistently according to recipes, quality standards, portion guidelines, and event expectations.
• Coordinate with Banquet Operations, Conference Services, Event Sales, and service teams to support timely, seamless event execution.
• Respond professionally to last-minute changes, special requests, food allergies, and dietary accommodations.
• Maintain food safety, sanitation, cleanliness, temperature control, labeling, and proper food storage.
• Assist with ordering, inventory, receiving, food-cost control, labor management, and waste reduction.
• Help create an organized, respectful, team-focused kitchen where team members can learn and grow.
• Support other culinary outlets and property-wide events when business needs require it.

Benefits

• Competitive healthcare coverage, including medical, dental, and vision, paired with wellness incentives.
• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Company-paid life insurance.
• 401(k) with company match.
• Employee Assistance Program for the employee and family.
• One complimentary meal per day.
• Property-wide events and experiences throughout the year.
• Free access to Tree Adventure and discounts on overnight stays, retail, dining at Timbers and Porter’s, golf, and more.
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, floating holiday, and end-of-year floating holiday hours.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed